COLUMBUS, Ohio – Michigan State’s Allie Ahern scored in the 91st minute to lift the Spartans to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ohio State in the semifinal round of the Big Ten Tournament on Friday afternoon at Buckeye Varsity Field. With the loss, the Buckeyes fall to 6-13 overall while Michigan State (11-9) advances to the championship game on Sunday.

Ahern’s goal came off a pass from Kristen Henn and a scramble in front of the cage. It also spoiled a valiant effort from the Buckeyes, who were looking to spring their second upset in as many days. Yesterday, Ohio State knocked off second-seeded and 13th-ranked Northwestern, 3-2.

“Our team fought extremely hard today,” said head coach Anne Wilkinson. “A game like this comes down to an inch here or an inch there. Effort-wise, I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

The first half proved to be a defensive battle, as the teams combined for a total of just 11 shots. Ohio State narrowly missed getting on the scoreboard in the ninth minute when a penalty stroke by Kaitlyn Wagner hit the left post of the cage and bounced out.

In the second half, Michigan State broke the scoreless tie in the 40th minute when Katherine Jamieson scored off a penalty corner. Ten minutes later, however, Mona Frommhold scored the equalizer when she netted a goal off a penalty corner with assists from Nina Laudahn and Maria Swartz. The goal was Frommhold’s eighth of the season.

In the first overtime, Michigan State controlled possession and generated 10 shots, but goalie Sarah Lemieux was up to the challenge, making four of her season-high eight saves. Ohio State also snuffed out a Spartan scoring opportunity when Arielle Cowie made a defensive save in the 74th minute.

“Sarah was great in the first overtime,” said Wilkinson. “She kept us in the game and got us to the second overtime.”

Ohio State’s best scoring threat in the second overtime was a shot by Peanut Johnson that was saved by MSU’s Molly Cassidy. Less than a minute after Johnson’s shot was stopped, Ahern scored the game-winner for Michigan State.

The Spartans outshot Ohio State 18-13, with 14 of the shots coming in the two overtime periods. Both goalies made eight saves and the Buckeyes held a 7-5 advantage in penalty corners.

Today’s game can be seen on tape delay tonight on BTN at 11:30 p.m. The Big Ten Tournament wraps up on Sunday when fifth-seeded Iowa and third-seeded Michigan State meet in the championship game at noon. The matchup will be broadcast live on BTN.